ATU 757 responds to TRIMET budget issues
As we have seen and heard for the past couple years now, TriMet has claimed financial
impairment. Even though TriMet’s ridership has increased significantly by recent reports,
TriMet’s General Manager Neil McFarlane recently made a plea to the public, asking for ideas
and suggestions as to how TriMet can save taxpayer dollars. TriMet claims it is facing a
2013 budget shortfall of 12 to 17 million dollars. One thing TriMet and General Manager
McFarlane didn’t tell the public, is that they could save multi-millions of taxpayer dollars
annually, right now, on their own.
Logon to www.trimet.org/choices/why-is-there-a-budget-shortfall
ReplyDeleteGo to the TriMet website and see how they are blaming unionized employees for most all of their financial problems. Then click on “Tell us what you think” and give your thoughts at to what the problems are and how to fix them. Here are some of our suggestions:
Problem: Leadership, bad decision-making
Fix: Total shakeup and change in top management
Problem: Private paratransit contractors too expensive
Fix: Bring in-house and immediately save over 7 million dollars
Problem: Management Positions
Fix: Reduce top heavy management positions to 2006 levels, save 5 million dollars
Problem: Appointed Board of Directors, rubber stamp management actions
Fix: Elected Board accountable to the taxpayers
These are just a few problems and fixes we came up with in a few minutes. There are many more. Make sure you go to TriMet’s website and let them know how you feel.
Too bad Jon wasn't at the last Board meeting to make this presentation. At the January meeting someone needs to let them know what's going on. They may not act on these facts, but at least testimony becomes public record and they can't plead ignorance.
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